Couple plan hospital fund-raiser

PUBLISHED: 18:11 27 August 2008 | UPDATED: 21:34 31 May 2010

A CARING couple from Saffron Walden have been overwhelmed by the town s community spirit as they plan a major charity event. Mike and Louise Braybrooke, who live in Cornwallis Place, have been inundated with offers of help, services and donations in their

A CARING couple from Saffron Walden have been overwhelmed by the town's community spirit as they plan a major charity event.

Mike and Louise Braybrooke, who live in Cornwallis Place, have been inundated with offers of help, services and donations in their preparation of a family fun day to be held on the Common on Saturday August 30.

"We have lived in Saffron Walden all our lives and feel there is a community spirit that exists in this town that you will not find anywhere else," said Mr Braybrooke, "it's been absolutely unbelievable."

The Braybrookes have been working intensely to organise a one-day extravaganza to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital. The event will honour the memory of their next-door neighbours' baby daughter Shenlyn Portelli, who died in January aged just four months.

"Shenlyn was such a lovely girl," said Mr Braybrooke, "but she spent almost her entire life in Great Ormond Street. She was born with a problem with her heart.

"We thought that this event on the Common would be a fitting way to raise some money for the excellent work that's done at the hospital, in Shenlyn's memory."

A great number of businesses and organisations in Saffron Walden have already pledged their support for the event by donating prizes for the raffle and auction that will take place on the day.

The town council has waived the fee it charges for the Common's use and even the World Snooker Association has donated towards the cause, by providing a programme signed by most of the top 16 players.

Other prizes and lots up for grabs include a giant teddy bear, a £40 Chinese feast, all manner of vouchers, a book signed by Jamie Oliver, gym membership and much, much more.

Although the Braybrookes insist that their fundraising target is just "as much as possible", a substantial amount of money has already been raised for GOSH.

Mr Braybrooke said: "Our 16-year-old nephew Anthony has already done a fantastic job, raising more than £250 for us by taking part in a five-mile sponsored run, which he completed in less than 55 minutes."

The fun day on the Common is shaping up to be a fantastic day of family fun and the perfect way to end the summer holidays.

Head down to the Common from 9.30am on Saturday August 30 to enjoy yourself and help a worthwhile cause.

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